Jacoby Jones - Commanders WR
Much like the situation at cornerback, the Washington Commanders don't have many free spots in the wide receiver room for anyone looking to stake a claim.
Adam Peters spent considerable resources to improve the weapons around quarterback Jayden Daniels. That'll help enormously, but it doesn't leave much room for one of the incoming undrafted free agents to impose themselves without a meteoric rise to prominence.
That is the task awaiting Jacoby Jones, who was scooped up quickly by the Commanders once the draft concluded. He's got the size and large wingspan to make a difference, but his transfer from Ohio to UCF didn't quite go according to plan en route to securing 22 receptions for 327 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 12 games.
Jones isn't the quickest, running 4.53 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. His scores aside from that in Indianapolis were relatively pleasing, but this represents a journey into the unknown. It's a steep step-up in class for the wideout, who must catch the eye from the moment he steps onto the practice field.
The Commanders also signed Ja'Corey Brookes during the undrafted free-agent frenzy. He looks to have more promise, which only raises the urgency for Jones to make a mark.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders RB
Considering Jacory Croskey-Merritt was taken at No. 245 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, there is a significant amount of hype surrounding the running back. Analysts and respected people around the league believe the Commanders could have a potential steal on their hands. That brings some pressure, but the coaching staff will coax him along gradually before increasing his responsibilities if everything goes well.
Croskey-Merritt's route to the NFL was an eventful one. His eligibility was revoked by the NCAA after just one game with the Arizona Wildcats in 2024. That left him on the outside looking in, plunging his draft stock in the process.
Adam Peters was eager to learn more. The Commanders spent considerable time with Croskey-Merritt during their pre-draft assessments. It seems like they were suitably impressed, and there could be an opening for the rookie to impact the running back rotation if he showcases enough in the coming months.
Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, Jeremy McNichols, and Chris Rodriguez Jr. are all in the final year of their respective deals. All have questions to answer for differing reasons. That should provide Croskey-Merritt with enough motivation to ruffle some feathers at the very least.
Looking the part at Washington's rookie minicamp would be a positive first step.